Celebrating Christmas in Puerto Rico equals happiness. However, it can come with certain risks we have to consider in order to protect our property. Below you will find several recommendations that will help you enjoy a happy and accident-free season.
Take good care of your tree
There’s nothing like putting up your Christmas tree to officially kick off the beginning of the holidays. But while the tree can fill our home with energy and color, it is essential to care for it properly so that it doesn’t become a hazard. If you have a real tree, this entails making sure it is watered regularly to prevent it from drying out too fast. A dried-out tree is more prone to catching fire and spreading the flames after an electrical accident.
Test your lights before installing them
Along with the tree, Christmas lights are a must for your holiday decor. Make sure to inspect them carefully before putting them up in the tree or any other part of your house. If you’re buying new lights, make sure they are certified. Look for the UL certification stamp in the package. We also recommend LED lights because they don’t produce almost any heat and are less likely to cause accidents.
If you’re installing the lights from last year, check that the wires are not broken or peeled. As a general rule, turn off the lights at bedtime or before you go out.
Test your smoke detectors
We spend more time cooking at Christmas than at any other time of the year. This is why the holiday season is a good time to make sure the smoke detectors in your home are functioning properly. Smoke detectors usually have a test button. If the smoke detector does not make a sound after pressing the button or if the sound is too low, it may be time to replace the battery or call your service provider. If you have any questions, ask your electrician.
Celebrate with caution
If you’re having a party at home, you are responsible for providing a safe environment for your guests. While planning a party, think of how you can reduce the probability of accidents such as slips and trips.
Watch out for thieves
Many of us travel or leave the house at Christmas to visit friends and family. Sadly, this can lead to increased theft and break-in incidents during this season. Make sure to examine the safety protocols in your home to prevent a robbery. For example, identify and reinforce weak entry points in your home, keep your valuable items hidden in places not visible from the outside of the home, or invest in technology such as security cameras or motion sensor lights.
Update your insurance coverage
This is the time to verify that your coverage provides adequate protection in the event of an accident. Remember that at Christmas, just like at any other time of the year, prevention is key.
If you have any questions about your home insurance policy, call us at 787-781-7100 or visit www.ssspropiedad.com.
